Shock absorbing device for drone

Abstract

To suppress an increase in weight of a shock absorbing device for a drone.SOLUTION: The shock absorbing device includes a protection portion that is made of a foam material and is reversibly compressible, a restraint portion that restrains the protection portion in a compressed state, and a release portion that releases the restraint of the protection portion by the restraint portion. The protection part covers at least a part of the drone in an uncompressed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an impact absorbing device for a drone. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, shock absorbing devices for drones exist. In the technology of Patent Document 1, when the drone falls, an air supply device uses electricity to rotate a fan, which introduces outside air into the airbag. As a result, the airbag deploys and inflates from its folded state. The airbag device is attached to the opposite side of the parachute attachment position, i.e., the bottom of the drone. As a result, the airbag deploys on the side that will land when the parachute deploys. The technology of Patent Document 1 eliminates the need for gas cylinders, which were previously used to deploy airbags. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-127070 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology in Patent Document 1 requires an air intake device that rotates a fan to deploy the airbag, which significantly increases the weight of the drone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an impact absorbing device for attachment to a drone. The impact absorbing device includes a protective portion made of a foam material and capable of being reversibly compressed, a restraining portion that restrains the protective portion in a compressed state, and a releasing portion that releases the restraint of the protective portion by the restraining portion. The protective portion covers at least a portion of the drone in an uncompressed state. By adopting this configuration, the protective unit can be kept compressed by the restraining unit during normal times when there is no need to protect the drone, thereby reducing the drone's air resistance. Furthermore, the protective unit can be deployed by releasing the restraint on the protective unit. This simplifies the configuration for deploying the protective unit and prevents an increase in the weight of the impact absorbing device. (2) The impact absorbing device of the above-described embodiment may be configured such that the restraining portion is a bag that houses the protecting portion in a compressed state. By adopting such an embodiment, a wider range of the protective part can be compressed compared to an embodiment in which the restraining part is configured in a string-like manner, and therefore the air resistance of the protective part can be reduced. (3) The impact absorbing device of the above aspect may be configured such that the restraining portion is a bag that houses the protection portion when the restraining portion is in an elastically stretched state. With this configuration, when a part of the restraining portion is destroyed, the restraining portion can quickly retract from the outer periphery of the protective portion. As a result, by providing a release portion with a simple configuration, the protective portion can be quickly deployed. (4) The impact absorbing device of the above form may also be configured such that the protective part includes a bottom part that covers at least a portion of the underside of the drone in an uncompressed state, and a side wall part that is connected to the bottom part and that surrounds at least a portion of the propeller of the drone in an uncompressed state. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to effectively mitigate collisions with the underside of the drone, which is likely to receive impact when the drone falls, and with the propellers, which are likely to damage objects that come into contact with the drone when it falls. (5) The impact absorbing device of the above form can also be configured such that the protective portion has a pair of expanding portions that form a bowl-like shape in an uncompressed state, and the pair of expanding portions each have the bottom portion and the side wall portion. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to effectively mitigate collisions in a 360-degree area around the underside of the drone, which is likely to receive impact when the drone falls, and the propellers, which are likely to damage anything they come into contact with when the drone falls. Furthermore, since each of the pair of deployment portions has a three-dimensional curved shape, it is possible to effectively reduce external impacts. The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than an impact absorbing device, such as an aircraft equipped with an impact absorbing device, a protective part used in an impact absorbing device, or a manufacturing method thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a drone DR to which an impact absorbing device 1 is attached. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a drone DR to which an impact absorbing device 1 is attached. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view showing a drone DR to which an impact absorbing device 1 is attached. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a drone DR to which the impact absorbing device 1 is attached. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between a protection part 100 and a restraint part 200. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and function of a release unit 300. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and function of a release unit 300. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. Implementation: Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a drone DR to which an impact absorbing device 1 of this embodiment is attached. Fig. 1 shows a state in which a protection part 100 provided in the impact absorbing device 1 is unfolded.

[0009] The drone DR flies in the air. The drone DR can transport cargo suspended from the drone DR. The drone DR is equipped with a camera as a visual sensor VS, allowing it to photograph the ground from the sky and also photograph other objects in flight. The drone DR includes a main body BD, an arm AM, a propeller PP, a protective frame PF, and ground legs LL.

[0010] The main body BD houses a storage battery, a communication unit, and a control unit (see the middle center of Figure 1). The storage battery stores power and supplies it to the outside. The communication unit communicates with the outside of the drone DR. The control unit controls each unit of the drone DR. The control unit controls the flight of the drone DR according to instructions received via the communication unit.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a drone DR to which the impact absorbing device 1 of this embodiment is attached. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the drone DR to which the impact absorbing device 1 of this embodiment is attached. Figs. 2 and 3 show a state in which the protective part 100 provided in the impact absorbing device 1 is deployed. However, to facilitate understanding of the technology, Figs. 2 and 3 omit the configuration of the impact absorbing device 1 other than the deployment part 110 of the pair of deployment parts 110, 120 provided in the impact absorbing device 1 and the attachment 410 for attaching the deployment part 110 to the drone DR.

[0012] The drone DR has four arms AM (see the upper left and right parts and the lower left and right parts of Figure 1). One end of each arm AM is connected to the main body BD. Each arm AM extends radially from the main body BD. Inside each arm AM, there is a motor that drives the propeller PP, and a power line that supplies power from a storage battery inside the main body BD to the motor. The motor is provided at the other end of the arm AM. The motor is driven by power supplied from the storage battery via the power line.

[0013] The drone DR is equipped with four propellers PP (see the upper left and right parts and the lower left and right parts of Figure 1). The drone DR moves through the air by the thrust generated by the rotation of the four propellers PP. The propellers PP are each connected to the output shaft of a motor provided at the other end of the arm AM.

[0014] The drone DR is equipped with four protective frames PF (see the upper left and right parts and the lower left and right parts of Figure 1). Each protective frame PF prevents components other than the drone DR from coming into contact with the propeller PP. Each protective frame PF is connected to the other end of the arm AM. Each protective frame PF extends away from the main body BD beyond the area that the propeller PP would occupy.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a drone DR to which the impact absorbing device 1 of this embodiment is attached. To facilitate understanding of the technology, FIG. 4 omits the configuration of the impact absorbing device 1, except for the mounting fixture 410 provided on the impact absorbing device 1. To facilitate understanding of the technology, only FIG. 4 shows a camera as a visual sensor VS. The drone DR is large enough that the distance between the tips of the protective frames PF facing each other across the body BD is approximately 1 m (see FIGS. 3 and 1). The drone DR weighs approximately 20 kg.

[0016] The drone DR is equipped with a pair of grounding legs LL (see the lower center of Figures 2-4). The pair of grounding legs LL are attached to the underside of the main body BD. The grounding legs LL support the drone DR when it lands. Note that the "underside of the main body BD" refers to the surface of the outer surface of the main body BD that faces the landing surface when the drone DR lands. The "underside of the drone DR" refers to the surface of the outer surface of the drone DR that faces the landing surface when the drone DR lands.

[0017] The shock absorbing device 1 is attached to the drone DR. The shock absorbing device 1 protects the drone DR from a shock caused by a collision with another component when the drone DR falls from the air. Furthermore, the shock absorbing device 1 protects other components from the shock caused by a collision with the drone DR when the drone DR falls from the air. The shock absorbing device 1 includes a protection unit 100, a restraint unit 200, a release unit 300, and an attachment unit 400.

[0018] The protective part 100 is made of a foam material and is reversibly compressible. Specifically, the protective part 100 is made of urethane foam having a density of 5 kg / m3. In an uncompressed state, the protective part 100 covers a portion of the drone DR (see Figures 1, 2, and 3). The protective part 100 includes a pair of deployment parts 110, 120 (see Figure 1).

[0019] The pair of deployment portions 110, 120 are arranged relative to the drone DR so as to form a single bowl-like shape in an uncompressed state (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The pair of deployment portions 110, 120 include bottom portions 112, 122 and sidewall portions 114, 124, respectively.

[0020] In an uncompressed state, the bottom portions 112, 122 each cover a portion of the underside of the drone DR (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The side wall portions 114, 124 are connected to the bottom portions 112, 122. The side wall portions 114, 124 surround a portion of the propeller PP provided on the drone DR. The deployment portions 110, 120 each constitute a portion of the bowl-shaped shape that corresponds to an angular range of a central angle of approximately 180°.

[0021] This configuration effectively mitigates collisions around the underside of the drone DR, which is likely to receive impact when the drone DR falls, and the propellers PP, which are likely to damage anything they come into contact with when the drone DR falls.

[0022] In an impact absorbing device equipped with an airbag made of a gas-impermeable material that expands into an outwardly convex shape, there is a high possibility that the airbag will interfere with the cargo being carried by the drone DR when it expands. However, by configuring the protective unit 100 as described above, it is easy to protect the drone DR while avoiding interference with the cargo being carried by the drone DR.

[0023] For example, in an embodiment in which twelve deployment portions each form a portion of the bowl-shaped configuration corresponding to an angular range of approximately 30° central angle, each deployment portion has a plate-like shape. Deployment portions having such a plate-like shape are prone to deformation when subjected to external forces. However, in this embodiment, the pair of deployment portions 110, 120 each have a three-dimensional curved shape. Therefore, they are less likely to deform when subjected to external forces, and external impacts can be effectively reduced.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the protection unit 100 and the restraining unit 200. FIG. 5 does not accurately represent the dimensions and shape of each part of the drone DR. The restraining unit 200 restrains the protection unit 100 in a compressed state. It is a bag that contains the protection unit 100 in a compressed state. The restraining unit 200 includes bag portions 210 and 220.

[0025] The bag portion 210 is a bag that houses the expansion portion 110 in a compressed state. The bag portion 220 is a bag that houses the expansion portion 120 in a compressed state. The bag portions 210, 220 each include a cylindrical portion and end portions that close the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion. The bag portions 210, 220 are made of vinyl.

[0026] The unfolding portion 110 is housed in the bag portion 210 in a folded and compressed state. When the unfolding portion 110 is housed in the bag portion 210, the unfolding portion 110 is first rolled toward the bottom portion 112 so that the side wall portions 114 are wrapped around the inside of the bowl, forming a curved rod-like shape. The unfolding portion 110 folded into a rod shape is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the rolled unfolding portion 110 is curved in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 3 so as to surround the attachment 410 of the attachment portion 400.

[0027] Then, of the unfolded section 110 folded into a rod shape, both ends, each of which corresponds to about ¼ of the length, are folded toward the center. The unfolded section 110 is then further compressed and housed in the bag section 210.

[0028] After the bag portion 210 houses the expansion portion 110, the opening through which the expansion portion 110 was taken is sealed by welding. In this state, the volume of the expansion portion 110 is 10% or less of the volume in the uncompressed state. The expansion portion 120 is also folded and compressed in the same manner, and housed in the bag portion 220.

[0029] The entire bag portion 210 of the restraining unit 200 receives an expansion force Afe from the expansion portion 110 of the protection unit 100 while accommodating the expansion portion 110 of the protection unit 100 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the bag portion 210 of the restraining unit 200 accommodates the expansion portion 110 of the protection unit 100 while the bag portion 210 is elastically stretched.

[0030] With this configuration, when a portion of the bag portion 210 of the restraining part 200 is destroyed, the bag portion 210 of the restraining part 200 bursts, contracts, and can quickly move away from the outer periphery of the deployment part 110 of the protection part 100. As a result, by providing the release part 300 with a simple configuration, the protection part 100 can be quickly deployed.

[0031] In this embodiment, the restraining unit 200 has a bag-like configuration. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the restraining unit 200 has a string-like configuration that restrains the protective unit 100 in a compressed state, a wider range of the protective unit 100 can be compressed. Therefore, the air resistance of the protective unit 100 can be reduced when the drone DR to which the shock absorbing device 1 is attached flies.

[0032] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and function of the release unit 300. FIG. 6 does not accurately represent the dimensions and shapes of each part of the release unit 300 and the restraint unit 200. The release unit 300 releases the restraint of the protector 100 by the restraint unit 200. The release unit 300 includes release units 310 and 320. The release unit 310 includes a fall detection sensor 312, a motor 314, an arm 315, a needle 316, and a protection control unit 319.

[0033] The fall detection sensor 312 detects that the drone DR is no longer in a controlled flight state and sends a signal to the protection control unit 319 (see the lower left part of Figure 6). The fall detection sensor 312 is a six-axis acceleration sensor. Specifically, the fall detection sensor 312 detects the occurrence of an acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration or an angular acceleration greater than a predetermined angular acceleration. For example, if all four propellers PP stop rotating, the drone DR will accelerate vertically downward at a maximum acceleration of 9.8 m / s2, which is the acceleration due to gravity. The predetermined acceleration can be, for example, 8 m / s2.

[0034] Motor 314 is driven by power supplied from protection control unit 319 (see the upper left part of FIG. 6). Motor 314 is a servo motor. Arm 315 is connected to the output shaft of motor 314 (see the upper left part of FIG. 6). Arm 315 has a joint. Arm 315 converts a change in the angular position of the output shaft of motor 314 into a change in linear position.

[0035] When protection control unit 319 receives a signal indicating that a fall has been detected from fall detection sensor 312, it drives motor 314 (see the middle left part of Figure 6). Protection control unit 319 includes a processor called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and a power supply unit. The CPU controls motor 314 by loading a computer program stored in the ROM into the RAM (main memory) and executing it.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and function of the release unit 310. FIG. 7 does not accurately represent the dimensions and shape of each part of the release unit 310. The needle 316 is attached to the tip of the arm 315. In a steady state, the needle 316 is housed in the hole 412 of the attachment tool 410 (see FIG. 6). When the motor 314 is driven, the arm 315 pushes the needle 316 out of the hole 412 of the attachment tool 410. As a result, the needle 316 passes through the hole 412 of the attachment part 400 and pierces the bag part 210 of the restraining part 200. The bag part 210 houses the deployment part 110 of the protection part 100 in an elastically stretched state. Therefore, when pierced by the needle 316, the bag part 210 bursts and separates from the surface of the deployment part 110 of the protection part 100. As a result, the constraint on the deployment part 110 of the protection part 100 is released, and the deployment part 110 deploys (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0037] The part of the bag portion 210 that is pierced by the needle 316 is on the side where the attachment tool 410 and the ground leg LL of the attachment part 400 are located relative to the deployment part 110 of the protection part 100. Therefore, after rupturing, part of the bag portion 210 can quickly move from above the deployment part 110 to the side opposite the attachment tool 410 and the ground leg LL relative to the deployment part 110, and separate from it. This reduces the possibility that the ruptured bag portion 210 will hinder the deployment of the deployment part 110.

[0038] The configuration and function of the release unit 320 are the same as those of the release unit 310. Therefore, the release unit 320 also achieves the same effects as the release unit 310.

[0039] The mounting unit 400 connects the impact absorbing device 1 and the drone DR. More specifically, the mounting unit 400 connects the protection unit 100, the restraint unit 200, and the release unit 300 of the impact absorbing device 1 to the ground leg LL of the drone DR. The mounting unit 400 includes mounting fixtures 410, 410.

[0040] The attachment 410 connects the deployment section 110, the bag section 210, and the release unit 310 to one of the pair of ground legs LL of the drone DR. The attachment 410 includes a pair of rectangular plate sections connected to each other at 90° (see FIG. 5). The bag section 210 and the deployment section 110 are fixed to one of the pair of plate sections. Specifically, the deployment section 110 is fixed to one of the plate sections via the bag section 210. This one plate section is connected to the ground leg LL of the drone (see the left part of FIG. 5). The release unit 310 is also attached to this one plate section. This one plate section includes a hole 412. The needle 316 of the release unit 310 passes through the hole 412 and pierces the bag section 210. One of the pair of plate sections covers the upper side of the bag section 210 that houses the deployment section 110 (see the upper part of FIG. 5).

[0041] The mounting fixture 420 connects the deployment section 120, the bag section 220, and the release unit 320 to the other of the pair of ground legs LL of the drone DR. The configuration and function of the mounting fixture 420 are similar to those of the mounting fixture 410.

[0042] In the impact absorbing device 1 of this embodiment, under normal circumstances when there is no need to protect the drone DR, the protection part 100 is kept compressed by the restraint part 200, thereby reducing the air resistance of the drone DR (see Figure 5).

[0043] In the impact absorbing device 1 of this embodiment, the protective part 100 is reversibly compressible, and therefore, by releasing the constraint on the protective part 100, the protective part 100 can be deployed. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which a fan is used to deploy the protective part 100 from start to finish, the configuration for deploying the protective part 100 can be simplified. As a result, an increase in the weight of the impact absorbing device 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, compared to an embodiment in which the protective part 100 is deployed by an air flow generated relative to the impact absorbing device 1 when it falls, the protective part 100 can be deployed regardless of the altitude of the drone DR at the start of the fall or the direction of the fall.

[0044] In an impact absorbing device equipped with an airbag that is made of a gas-impermeable material and is inflated when used, if the propeller PP equipped on the drone DR interferes with the protective part 100, the airbag will rupture and the impact absorbing ability of the protective part 100 will be significantly impaired. However, in the impact absorbing device 1 of this embodiment, the protective part 100 is made of a foam material that includes many tiny voids and a solid part that defines these voids and has elasticity. Therefore, unlike impact absorbing devices equipped with an airbag that is inflated by gas being pumped in, even if the propeller PP equipped on the drone DR interferes with the protective part 100, the impact absorbing ability of the protective part 100 is less likely to be lost.

[0045] In this embodiment, the deployment sections 110, 120 included in the protection section 100 are also referred to as "protection members." The bag sections 210, 220 included in the restraining section 200 are also referred to as "restraining sections." The release units 310, 320 included in the releasing section 300 are also referred to as "releasing sections." The attachment tools 410, 410 included in the attachment section 400 are also referred to as "attaching sections."

[0046] B. Other Embodiments: B1. Alternative Embodiment 1: (1) In the above embodiment, the drone DR is provided with a pair of ground legs LL (see the lower center of Figures 2 to 4). However, the drone may be provided with another number of ground legs, such as four or six.

[0047] (2) In the above embodiment, the release unit 310 includes a needle 316. When the needle 316 pierces the restraining portion 200, the restraining portion 200 bursts, and the restraint of the deployment portions 110, 120 of the protection unit 100 is released. However, the release unit may include a blade that cuts off a part of the restraining portion instead of or in addition to the needle 316. Also, the impact absorbing device may include a part of the restraining portion that is more easily broken than other parts of the restraining portion, and the release unit may break the part by displacing that part.

[0048] (3) In the above embodiment, the shock absorbing device 1 is attached to the ground-contact leg LL of the drone DR via the attachment portion 400. However, the shock absorbing device may be attached to another part of the drone, such as the arm AM of the drone DR.

[0049] (4) In the above embodiment, the protective unit 100 covers a portion of the drone DR in an uncompressed state (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). However, the protective unit 100 may also be configured to cover the entire periphery of the drone in an uncompressed state. In this specification, the phrase "A covers B" includes a case in which A having a cage-like or net-like structure surrounds B.

[0050] (5) In the above embodiment, the bottoms 112 and 122 each cover a portion of the underside of the drone DR in an uncompressed state (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). However, the protective unit may also have one or more bottoms that cover the entire underside of the drone in an uncompressed state.

[0051] (6) In the above embodiment, the side wall portions 114, 124 surround a portion of the propellers of the drone DR (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). However, the protective portion may also have one or more side wall portions that entirely surround each of the one or more propellers of the drone in the uncompressed state. The protective portion may also have one or more side wall portions that entirely surround all of the one or more propellers of the drone in the uncompressed state.

[0052] (7) In the above embodiment, the protective part 100 is made of urethane. However, the protective part may be made of other reversibly compressible foam materials, such as polyester. However, the protective part is preferably configured to be reversibly compressible to a volume of 10% or less. For example, the protective part is preferably configured of a foam material having a density of 5 kg / m or less.

[0053] (8) In the above embodiment, the unfolding portion 110 is first folded into a rod shape by wrapping the side wall portions 114 around the inside of the bowl, and then approximately one-quarter of the length of the unfolding portion is folded toward the center (see FIG. 3). However, various methods can be used to compress the unfolding portion, such as accordion folding or random compression.

[0054] (9) In the above embodiment, each of the bag portions 210, 220 of the restraining unit 200 includes a cylindrical portion and end portions that close the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion (see FIG. 5). However, the restraining unit may have other configurations, such as a configuration in which two sheets are arranged facing each other and their outer edges are joined together, or a substantially spherical configuration.

[0055] (10) In the above embodiment, after the bag portion 210 accommodates the deployment portion 110, the opening through which the deployment portion 110 is taken in is closed by welding. However, the bag portion may be provided with a zipper, and after the deployment portion is accommodated, the opening through which the deployment portion is taken in may be closed by the zipper.

[0056] (11) In the above embodiment, the restraining portion 200 is made of vinyl. However, the restraining portion may be made of other resins or fibers. However, it is preferable that the restraining portion be made of a material that can be elastically stretched by 5% or more when an external force is applied.

[0057] (12) In the above embodiment, the impact absorbing device 1 includes (i) a combination of the deployment section 110 functioning as the protection section 100, the bag section 210 functioning as the restraining section 200, the release unit 310 functioning as the release section 300, and the attachment tool 410 functioning as the attachment section 400, and (ii) a combination of the deployment section 120 functioning as the protection section 100, the bag section 220 functioning as the restraining section 200, the release unit 320 functioning as the release section 300, and the attachment tool 420 functioning as the attachment section 400. However, the impact absorbing device may include one combination of the protection section 100, the restraining section 200, the release section 300, and the attachment section 400. Furthermore, the impact absorbing device may include three or more combinations of the protection section 100, the restraining section 200, the release section 300, and the attachment section 400.

[0058] (13) The impact absorbing device 1 can be configured such that the bag portions 210, 220 of the restraint portion 200 are configured to store gas, and can store gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure in addition to the deployment portions 110, 120. By using such a configuration, the bag portions 210, 220 can be made more likely to burst.

[0059] (14) Although not mentioned in the above embodiment, a parachute may be attached to the upper surface of the main body BD and / or arm AM of the drone DR. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to guide the drone DR to a constant attitude when it falls and to reduce the speed at which the drone DR falls.

[0060] (15) In the above embodiment, the impact absorbing device 1 is attached to the drone DR. However, the impact absorbing device of the present disclosure can also be attached to a manned aircraft.

[0061] B2. Alternative Embodiment 2: In the above embodiment, the restraining part 200 is a bag that houses the protective part 100 in a compressed state (see FIG. 5). However, the restraining part 200 may also be configured as a flexible string or band that restrains the protective part 100 in a compressed state. The restraining part 200 may also be configured as a closed ring or cage that is less flexible than a string and that restrains the protective part 100 in a compressed state. The shape of the restraining part 200 may be any shape as long as it can restrain the protective part 100 in a compressed state.

[0062] B3. Alternative Embodiment 3: In the above embodiment, the restraining part 200 accommodates the protection part 100 in a state in which the restraining part 200 is elastically stretched (see FIG. 5). However, the impact absorbing device may also be configured in a manner in which the restraining part 200 is made of a highly rigid material and accommodates the protection part 100 in a state in which the restraining part 200 is not elastically stretched at all.

[0063] B4. Alternative Embodiment 4: In the above embodiment, the protective unit 100 includes bottom portions 112, 122 and side wall portions 114, 124 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The bottom portions 112, 122 each cover a portion of the underside of the drone DR in an uncompressed state (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The side wall portions 114, 124 surround a portion of the propellers of the drone DR. However, the protective unit may also be configured without at least one of the bottom portion and the side wall portion. For example, in a configuration in which the drone's center of gravity and the air resistance of each portion can be set to a single orientation when the drone falls, the protective unit 100 may be configured to cover only a portion of the drone that is positioned downward when the drone falls.

[0064] B5. Alternative Embodiment 5: The protective unit 100 includes a pair of deployment portions 110, 120. The pair of deployment portions 110, 120 are arranged relative to the drone DR so as to form a single bowl-shaped shape in an uncompressed state. The deployment portions 110, 120 each form a portion of the bowl-shaped shape that corresponds to an angular range of a central angle of 180° (see FIGS. 1 and 2). However, the protective unit may also be configured such that the bowl-shaped shape is formed by more than two deployment portions, such as three deployment portions that form a portion of the bowl-shaped shape that corresponds to an angular range of a central angle of approximately 120°, or four deployment portions that form a portion of the bowl-shaped shape that corresponds to an angular range of a central angle of approximately 90°.

[0065] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...shock absorbing device, 100...protective part, 110...deployment part, 112...bottom part, 114...side wall part, 120...deployment part, 122...bottom part, 124...side wall part, 200...restraint part, 210...bag part, 220...bag part, 300...release part, 310...release unit, 312...fall detection sensor, 314...motor, 315...arm, 316...needle, 319...protection control part, 320...release unit, 400...mounting part, 410...mounting fixture, 412...hole, 420...mounting fixture, AM...arm, Afe...expansion force, BD...main body, DR...drone, LL...grounding leg, PF...protective frame, PP...propeller, VS...visual sensor

Claims

1. A shock absorbing device attached to a drone, A protective part made of foam material that can be reversibly compressed, a restraining portion that restrains the protection portion in a compressed state; a release unit that releases the restraint of the protection unit by the restraint unit, An impact absorbing device, wherein the protective portion covers at least a portion of the drone in an uncompressed state.

2. The impact absorbing device according to claim 1, An impact absorbing device, wherein the restraining portion is a bag that accommodates the protective portion in a compressed state.

3. The impact absorbing device according to claim 2, The impact absorbing device, wherein the restraining portion is a bag that houses the protective portion when the restraining portion is elastically stretched.

4. The impact absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The protective part is a bottom portion that covers at least a portion of the underside of the drone in an uncompressed state; a side wall portion connected to the bottom portion and surrounding at least a portion of a propeller of the drone in an uncompressed state.

5. The impact absorbing device according to claim 4, The protective part is A pair of expansion sections that form a single bowl-like shape in an uncompressed state, The pair of deployment portions each include the bottom portion and the side wall portion.

Images